Handling potty training accidents

How should we handle toilet training accidents?

Handle accidents as matter-of-factly as possible. Although you might be tempted to scold your child, especially if you've struggled with toilet training for some time, punishment rarely succeeds in these cases. What it will more likely yield are power struggles and a strained relationship with you.

Accidents are a normal part of the toilet training process, and most children will continue to have them for up to six months after they've been trained. Your child needs you to deal with each accident calmly and supportively. If you're seeing improvement, things are probably progressing normally. If your child deliberately pees or poops on the floor regularly, though, you should probably schedule an appointment with his doctor to discuss the situation. She may suggest that you put toilet training on hold for a while until your child gives up this undesirable (but undeniably effective) attention-seeking behavior.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.